About Matt Berkus Denver, Colorado Bankruptcy and Debt Authority

Matt's Passion

Debt is the main obstacle to people and businesses achieving their goals and there is endless misleading chatter about how to resolve the debt. My goal and my passion are to be a clear voice for resolving debt.

My goal and my passion are to help individuals and small businesses stop suffering from financial distress, change course, and get on track.

Matt's Difference

Matt brings a decade of experience solving the financial problems of individuals, families and businesses. Bankruptcy is more than a mere financial tool, bankruptcy is a fresh start. There are very definable circumstances in which bankruptcy should be employed and many attorneys take a practical approach to bankruptcy. There is nothing inherently wrong with being practical, but EVERY bankruptcy attorney does that.

The problem is that financial distress reaches far beyond the mere practical financial issues. The people I see are suffering. They are suffering financially, psychologically, and spiritually. When I talk to a prospective client, my goal is to help them move beyond that suffering. My role is more than being an attorney but as a counselor and advisor.

Matt's Background

My first bankruptcy client was a young man who was involved in a devastating car accident. He had been recovering from the accident for about a year. Physically he recovered but suffered a brain injury that made him 100% disabled. He seemed normal, but I could tell he was struggling. Prior to the accident, he was a top graphic designer making good money and on an ideal life path.

The accident and long term recovery left him jobless with significant credit card debt and medical bills. If there was a client which bankruptcy was ideally suited, it was this individual. I prepared the case, reviewed the issues with the client, made sure that the case was as perfect as I could make it. Since it was my first case I performed significant reviews of other bankruptcy cases to make sure nothing unexpected would happen. In the end, the case went through with no problems.

However, it wasn’t the case that makes it memorable (aside from being the first), it was the fact that I ran into him a little over a year after I completed his case. It was odd because when his bankruptcy was discharged, he moved to Alaska. I was shopping in my grocery store with my wife and I kept seeing this person that I swore I recognized. As we passed each other in the aisles we exchanged that quizzical look; that look that says, “I think I know you, but I am not sure.” Finally, he approached me and asked if I were Matt Berkus, and I suddenly realized who he is. We chatted briefly and I learned that he was freelancing as a graphics designer, and doing great. He thanked me for my help with the bankruptcy and relayed that the bankruptcy was a turning point for him, it allowed him get back on track.

Why I am relating this story? After chatting with my former client, I had a revelation; bankruptcy, and debt resolution in general, is one of the very few areas of law where clients emerge in a significantly better position than when they start.

If you think about it, you cannot say that about other areas of law (except maybe adoption). Any other area of law there exists a lingering resentment for needing a lawyer (divorce, personal injury, criminal, business transactions, etc.) and rarely is the person better off as a result of the legal action. Bankruptcy provides a real benefit; bankruptcy is how people recover financially.

Since that time, I have devoted myself to helping individuals, families, and small businesses get out of debt.

Matt's Professional Credentials and Details

Education

Brigham Young University;  J. Reuben Clark Law School; Juris Doctor, 2002
Ohio University;  one year Masters Degree study in philosophy, 1998-1998
Ohio Wesleyan University; Bachelors Degree; Philosophy, minor Economics, 1998.

Professional History

Berkus Law Office, Chtd. 2013 to Present

McFarland, Pyle & Stone, LLC; Of Counsel, 2012 - 2013

Custer Roberson, LLP; Bankruptcy Analyst and VP Operations, 2011-2012

Methner & Associates P.C; Bankruptcy and Tax Debt Analyst, 2008-2011
Omni Financial; Tax Debt Resolution Associate, 2008
Berkus Law Office, Chtd; Owner, 2004-2007
Van & Ralphs, Chtd; Assoicate Attorney - Litigation, 2002-2004

Teaching History

University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 2002-2005
Utah Valley University, 2001-2002
Ohio University, 1998-1999

Professional Organizations

NACBA, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys

Toastmasters International

Business Network International

Bar Admissions

Nevada: 2002

Colorado: 2012

U.S. District Court, Nevada: 2003

U.S. District Court, Colorado, 2011

If you're ready to get out of debt once and for all, give Matt a call today at 720-545-0339 to discuss how he can help.